Entering this offseason, the New England Patriots had the most cap space among all 32 teams in the NFL, meaning they could add the most to their team if they wanted to.
However, after a few months, they haven't added much in terms of veteran talent. In fact, the biggest contract that they gave out this offseason to an external free agent was an $8 million deal to Jacoby Brissett.
The Patriots could've traded for or signed a wide receiver to surround Brissett, or eventual draft pick Drake Maye, with talent.
New England was reportedly in negotiations with former Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons wideout Calvin Ridley, but talks broke down, and he chose to join the Tennessee Titans.
Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf admitted earlier in the offseason that Ridley didn't sign with the team because New England didn't offer the most money.
Ridley's deal with Tennessee is worth $90 million over four years ($22.5 million annually) with $46.98 million guaranteed. Tennessee can actually get out of the deal after two years and have just $10 million in dead cap in 2026.
That $22.5 million per year looks like nothing just months later with Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson signing a a four-year, $140 million extension ($35 million annually). This contract is going to reset the market for wide receivers.
Ridley's deal is now much more palatable, and if New England was paying attention, they could've seen this coming. Jefferson, Jaylen Waddle, Amon-Ra St. Brown Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and DeVonta Smith have all been paid or are still looking to get paid this offseason or next.
Wide receiver contracts will keep going up, and the Patriots could've had Ridley for what will seem like a bargain.
No, Ridley isn't the receiver that Jefferson is, but he's better than anything New England has put around their quarterbacks.
